Dolly for a snowmobile

ABSTRACT

A dolly for a snowmobile has ski ramp to receive each ski of the snowmobile and support the same, while having a belt ramp to both receive the belt drive or driving belt of the snowmobile, and permit the weight of the snowmobile to the lift the snowmobile onto the dolly or off of the dolly. The dolly has lockable castors to assist loading or unloading of the snowmobile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] While a snowmobile has many uses, it is difficult to maneuver. Itis not always convenient to maneuver the snowmobile under its own power.Furthermore, due to the weight of the snowmobile, moving the samewithout power is difficult.

[0002] In order to move the snowmobile, while its engine is not running,a number of wheeled devices commonly known as dollies are available.Basically, a dolly includes a platform mounted on a set of casters. Withthe snowmobile mounted on the dolly, the dolly permits the snowmobile tobe moved easily.

[0003] The problem with the snowmobile dollies of the prior art is thatit is difficult to get the snowmobile thereon. The weight of thesnowmobile requires raising the snowmobile with at least one jack andplacing a dolly thereunder. Such a raising step greatly complicates theuse of the dolly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of awheel-mounted dolly for a snowmobile, which permits the snowmobile to bedriven thereon.

[0005] A further objective of this invention is the provision of a dollyfor a snowmobile capable of supporting both the skis and the track.

[0006] Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of adolly for a snowmobile having a pair of ski receivers to assist themounting of the snowmobile thereon.

[0007] A still further objective of this invention is the provision of adolly for a snowmobile to cooperate with track of a snowmobile.

[0008] Another objective of this invention is the provision of a dollyfor a snowmobile capable of releasing both the skis and the tracktherefrom.

[0009] Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of asnowmobile to avoid lifting of the device.

[0010] Still, another objective of this invention is the provision of awheel mounted a dolly for a snowmobile having a pair of ski receivers toassist the releasing of the snowmobile thereon.

[0011] Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of a dollyfor snowmobile for use in a simple fashion.

[0012] These and other objectives of the invention (which otherobjectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claimsand drawings as a whole) are met by providing a dolly for a snowmobile,having a ski ramp to receive each ski and support the same, while havinga belt ramp to both receive the belt drive or driving belt of thesnowmobile, and permit the weight of the snowmobile to the lift thesnowmobile onto the dolly or off of the dolly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a snowmobile dolly 100 ofthis invention having a snowmobile 110 shown thereon in phantom.

[0014]FIG. 2 depicts a front, perspective view of the snowmobile dolly100 of this invention.

[0015]FIG. 3 depicts a top, front, perspective view of the snowmobiledolly 100 of this invention.

[0016]FIG. 4 depicts a top, rear, perspective view of the snowmobiledolly 100 of this invention.

[0017]FIG. 5 depicts a top, exploded, perspective view of the snowmobiledolly 100 of this invention.

[0018]FIG. 6 depicts a top, exploded, perspective view of an adjustabletrapezoidal frame assembly 200 for the snowmobile dolly 100 of thisinvention.

[0019]FIG. 7 depicts a top, exploded, perspective view of a travel range220 for the adjustable trapezoidal frame assembly 200 for the snowmobiledolly 100 of this invention.

[0020]FIG. 8 depicts a bottom, perspective view of the snowmobile dolly100 of this invention with lockable caster 140.

[0021] Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same partappears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number isapplied thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The snowplow dolly has a generally T-shaped structure from a topperspective view. The cross member of the T-shaped structure is designedto support each ski of a snowmobile. The base member of the T-shapedstructure is designed to support the driving track of the snowmobile. Ateach end of the cross member is a ski pickup or ramp assembly. Mountedon the base member is the track support to receive the driving track ofthe snowmobile.

[0023] Preferably, the cross member of the T-shaped structure is formedby the cooperation of a member with a squared C-shaped cross section andtwo members having hollow rectangular cross-section, which forms thecross member of a T-shaped frame. In order to reinforce the crossmember, a C-shaped member is mounted therein. The track support ismounted to the C-shaped member. As such, the rectangular cross-sectiontubes may slide on the C-shaped member, thereby adjusting the skipickups to fit a width of the skis.

[0024] Secured to each rectangular tube adjacent to each end thereof isthe ramp assembly with the ski pickup. The ski pickup is bolted orotherwise secured to the rectangular tube and has a lockable casterassembly therebelow. Bolts, such as T-bolts permit adjusting of the skipickups.

[0025] As the track support is mounted on the cross member, it is boltedor otherwise secured to the C-shaped member. The track support is anelongated, flattened member with various cleats thereon at reasonableintervals to provide a gripping mechanism for driving a snowmobile ontothe snowmobile dolly. The cleats provide raised gripping points for thedriving of the snowmobile onto the snowmobile dolly. In this manner,track support provides an effective dolly.

[0026] Supported below the track support is an adjustable trapezoidalframe. The frame is a generally trapezoidal shape with its base closerto the cross member. Within a generally trapezoidal shape is a barredrectangular shape. The longer bars of the rectangular shape permitattachment of the trapezoidal frame to the track support. Also, thelonger bars are permitted to slide within a clamping mechanism on thebottom of the track support, thereby giving the frame an adjustableposition along the track support.

[0027] At each corner of the trapezoid, is mounted a caster, whichpermits the frame to cooperate with the lockable casters on the skisupports. With the cleats on the track support, the track support issupported on free wheels or lockable casters permit movement.

[0028] The free wheels are casters which are not lockable, and thus lacka mechanism thereon to stop rotation. The lockable casters include adevice as a part thereof to prevent rotation. The lockable casters alsoserve to secure the dolly while the snowmobile is being mounted thereonor removed therefrom. Both types of lockable casters and non-lockablecasters are standard devices.

[0029] The snowplow dolly of this invention can be made or formed frommany suitable materials. These materials may be metal or plastic so longthey have the required durability to withstand the weight of asnowmobile. Aluminum may well be the best material for the snowplowdolly because of its light weight and strength. However, steel or highimpact plastic may also be used. The casters for the dolly must becapable of rotating both vertically and horizontally at least the 360degrees. Preferably, the rotation of each caster must exceed a pluralityof 360 degrees in its rotational modes.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, a snowmobile dolly 100 supports asnowmobile 110 thereon. Adding FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 to thediscussion, the supporting features of snowmobile dolly 100 become moreclear in relation to snowmobile 110. Snowmobile dolly 100 has a T-shapedmember 120 and a adjustable frame assembly 200. The cross member 122 ofthe T-shaped member 120 supports the skis 112 of snowmobile 110. Thebase member 124 of the T-shaped member 120 supports the driving track116 of snowmobile 110.

[0031] More particularly, cross member 122 has a substantially centralmounting point 126 for base member 124. The base member 124 is molded,bolted, welded, glued, or otherwise secured to cross member 122 atcentral mounting point 126.

[0032] As base member 124 has a secured end 130 joined to the centralmounting point 126, it also has a free end 132 oppositely disposed fromsecured end 130. Also, at free end 132 is lifting lip 134. Lifting lip134 provides a ramp to lift or guide track 116 onto base member 124. Bylifting track 116 onto base member 124, and skis 112 onto pickup ramp170, snowmobile 110 is positioned on dolly 100.

[0033] Between free end 132 and secured end 130, is positionedadjustable frame assembly 200, which provides flexibility for dolly 100and that may be adapted to a wide variety of snowmobiles includingsnowmobile 100. The adjustable frame assembly 200 may be releasablysecured to base member 124 at any point between free end 132 and securedend 130.

[0034] With the further consideration of FIG. 5, the structure ofsnowmobile dolly 100 become more clear. The cross member 122 basicallyprovides support for the skis 112 of the snowmobile 110. Moreparticularly, cross member 122 has a pair of end mounted lockablecasters 140 secured thereto at each end thereof. Each of the end mountedlockable casters 140 may rotate freely at any range, including, but notlimited to, 360 degrees or more about either a vertical axis or ahorizontal axis.

[0035] Lockability of casters 140 may inhibit rotation as desired. Withthe casters 140 locked, it is easier to drive the snowmobile 110 on oroff of the dolly 100.

[0036] In a most preferred form, cross member 122 has a squared C-shapedmember 142. Bar apertures 144; being centrally located in squared,C-shaped member 142; permit secured end 130 of base member 124 to besecured thereat due to ramp apertures 150 in secured end 130. Barapertures 144 and ramp apertures 150 may be aligned and receive bolts152, which bolts 152 may receive corresponding nut 154, thereby securingcross member 122 and base member 124 together.

[0037] At each end of C-shaped member 142, a ramp assembly 162 isprovided. Ramp assembly 162 includes a ramp tube 164, which is adaptedto receive an end of C-shaped member 142. Ramp tube 164 has a tubeaperture 166 adapted to align with a cross aperture 168 in the end ofC-shaped member 142, thereby permitting bolt 152 and nut 154 to providea securing device.

[0038] Extending from the ramp tube 164 is a pickup ramp 168, which isadapted to receive a ski 112 of the snowmobile 110. Pickup ramp 170 hasa raised outer bar 172 to provide guidance for ski 112. Secured to thebottom of tube 164 is a lockable caster 140. With a similar rampassembly 162 oppositely disposed therefrom on C-shaped member 142 at itsopposing end, skis 112 are easily lifted off of the ground and ontoT-shaped member 120 under the power of snowmobile 110.

[0039] Positioned along base member 124 is a plurality of cleats 180.Each cleat 180 may be bolted, welded, glued or otherwise secured to basemember 124. As the snowmobile 110 approaches snowmobile dolly 100,cleats 180 cooperate with the track 116 of snowmobile 110.

[0040] On base member 124 at an end oppositely disposed from secured end130 is a lifting lip 210 for the track 116 of snowmobile 110. Thus, thetrack 116 may lift itself and the snowmobile 110 onto snowmobile dolly100.

[0041] By providing a plurality of tube apertures 166 adapted to alignwith a plurality of cross apertures 168, snowmobile dolly 100 in generaland pickup ramp 170 in particular may be adjusted to compensate for thewidth of the snowmobile skis 112. Such an adjustment permits snowmobiledolly 100 to receive a variety of snowmobiles.

[0042] Adding FIG. 6 to the consideration, the structure of adjustableframe assembly 200 become clear. The adjustable frame assembly 200 maybe releasably secured to base member 124, thereby providing anotheradjustment factor in order to permit snowmobile dolly 100 to be usedwith a variety of snowmobiles.

[0043] Adjustable frame assembly 200 may be assembled from tubularmembers, L-shaped members or any other appropriate shaped. L-shapedmembers appear to provide the most functional adjustable frame assembly200. Adjustable frame assembly 200 has a generally trapezoidal shape.The trapezoidal shape appears to provide the most efficiency andflexibility.

[0044] More particular, the adjustable frame assembly 200 has a base bar202, preferably L-shaped as shown, and a top bar 204. Base bar 202 isslightly longer than top bar 204. A pair of isosceles bars 206 join basebar 202 and top bar 204 in order to complete an isosceles trapezoid.Buttressing the isosceles trapezoid is a first intermediate base 208adjacent and parallel to top bar 204; and second intermediate base 210adjacent and parallel to base bar 202. The adjustable frame assembly 200is preferably formed of L-shaped bars as shown.

[0045] First support bar 220 and second support bar 222 are mounted orsecured to top bar 204 and base bar 202 perpendicularly thereto. A space230 between first support bar 220 and second support bar 222 provides asufficient width to support base member 124. Base bar 202 is closer tocrosspiece 122 than is top bar 204. At first intersection 234 and secondintersection 236 of top bar 204 with each of isosceles bars 206 ismounted a lockable caster 140.

[0046] With consideration of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the mobility ofsnowmobile 110, on dolly 100 becomes clear. Adjustable frame assembly200 has first support bar 220 and second support bar 222 being spacedappropriately to receive base member 124. Thus, base member 124 restsbetween first support bar 220 and second support bar 222. Preferably,each of first support bar 220 and second support bar 222 rests onopposing long sides of base member 124. With such a support, theadjustable frame assembly 200 may slide along base member 124 to adesired position. One such a desired position is determined empirically,the snowmobile 110 may determine onto snowmobile dolly 100.

[0047] Lockable casters 140 serve to hold the snowmobile dolly 100 in adesired position as the snowmobile 110 is driven thereon. Then thecasters 140 may be unlocked, and the snowmobile dolly 100 moved in anydesired direction, by hand if desired.

[0048] This application; taken as a whole with the abstract,specification, claims, and drawings being combined; provides sufficientinformation for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practicethe invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary topractice this invention are well within the skill of a person havingordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study ofthis disclosure.

[0049] Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure,modification of this method and device can become clear to a personhaving ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications areclearly covered by this disclosure.

What is claimed and sought to be protected by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:
 1. A snowmobile dolly adapted to support a snowmobilecomprising: (a) a T-shaped frame having a cross member and a base memberadapted to support the snowmobile; (b) the T-shaped frame having atleast one lockable caster in order to assist driving the snowmobile ontoor off of the snowmobile dolly; (c) the cross member supporting a skiassembly of the snowmobile; and (d) the base member supporting a beltassembly of the snowmobile.
 2. The snowmobile dolly of claim 1 furthercomprising: (a) the T-shaped frame including a T-shaped structure formedfrom the cross member and the base member; (b) the cross member of theT-shaped structure having a first ski ramp assembly and a second skiramp assembly adapted to support a first ski and a second ski of the skiassembly; (c) the base member of the T-shaped structure being adapted tosupport a driving belt of the belt assembly for the snowmobile; and (d)the base member and the cross member cooperating in order to support thesnowmobile.
 3. The snowmobile dolly of claim 2 further comprising: (a)the cross member having a first ski pickup in the first ski rampassembly and a second ski pickup and in the second ski ramp assemblysecured thereto; (b) the first ski pickup being mounted on a first endof the cross member; (c) the second ski pickup being mounted on a secondend of the cross member; (d) the first end of the cross member beingoppositely disposed from the second end of the cross member; and (e) thecross member having the base member secured thereto between the firstski pickup and the second ski pickup.
 4. The snowmobile dolly of claim 3further comprising: (a) the track support being an elongated member withat least two cleats thereon spaced at intervals to provide a grippingmechanism for the driving belt in order to assist the snowmobile beingdriven onto the snowmobile dolly; (b) the base including the tracksupport and an adjustable frame secured below the track support; and (c)the adjustable frame being repositionable along the track support. 5.The snowmobile dolly of claim 4 further comprising: (a) the frame havinga generally trapezoidal shape; (b) the generally trapezoidal shapehaving a base closer to the cross member when mounted on the tracksupport; (c) a barred rectangular shape being mounted on the frame; (d)a pair of longer parallel bars for the barred rectangular shape beingsecurable to the track support; and (e) the pair of longer parallel barspermitting adjustment of the frame along the track support.
 6. Thesnowmobile dolly of claim 5 further comprising: (a) the longer barsbeing slidable within a clamping mechanism on a bottom of the tracksupport; (b) a frame caster being mounted at each corner of thetrapezoidal shape; (c) a first ski caster being mounted adjacent to thefirst ski ramp assembly; and (d) a second ski caster being mountedadjacent to the second ski ramp assembly.
 7. The snowmobile dolly ofclaim 6 further comprising: (a) the track support having a free endoppositely disposed from a secured end; (b) the secured end being joinedto the cross member; (c) the free end having a lifting lip; (d) thelifting lip receiving the track and guiding the track onto the basemember; and (e) the snowmobile being thus positioned on the dolly. 8.The snowmobile dolly of claim 7 further comprising: (a) the cross memberhaving a first lockable caster and a second lockable caster at each endthereof; (b) the first lockable caster and the second lockable casterrotating about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis; and (c) the firstlockable caster and the second lockable caster each including a lockingmeans to inhibit rotation thereof as desired.
 9. The snowmobile dolly ofclaim 8 further comprising: (a) the cross member having a squaredC-shaped member; (b) the cross member having the first ski ramp assemblyat a first end of the squared C-shaped member and the second ski rampassembly at a second end of the squared C-shaped member; and (c) thetrack support having the secured end mounted at a central portion of thesquared C-shaped member.
 10. The snowmobile dolly of claim 9 furthercomprising: (a) the first ramp assembly and the second ramp assemblybeing similar in structure; (b) the first ramp assembly including afirst ramp tube and a first pickup ramp; (c) the first ramp tubereceiving the first end of the C-shaped member; (d) the second rampassembly including a second ramp tube and a second pickup ramp; (e) thesecond ramp tube receiving the second end of the C-shaped member; (f)the first pickup ramp being adapted to receive the first ski of thesnowmobile; (g) the second pickup ramp being adapted to receive thesecond ski of the snowmobile; (h) the first ramp tube receiving thefirst end of the C-shaped member; and (i) the first pickup ramp and thesecond pickup ramp cooperating to lift the first ski and the second skirespectively onto the snowmobile dolly as the driving track is liftedonto the track support.
 11. The snowmobile dolly of claim 10 furthercomprising: (a) the first ramp tube and the second ramp tube each havingat least one tube aperture; (b) the C-shaped member having at least onecross aperture for each of at least one tube aperture; and (c) each ofthe least one cross aperture being alignable with one of the at leastone tube aperture.
 12. The snowmobile dolly of claim 11 furthercomprising: (a) the first ramp tube having the first lockable castermounted thereon; (b) the second ramp tube having the second lockablecaster mounted thereon; and (c) the frame caster being lockable.
 13. Thesnowmobile dolly of claim 12 further comprising: (a) the at least twocleats being bolted, welded, or glued to the base member; (b) the freeend of the base member including a lifting lip for the track of thesnowmobile; and (c) the at least one tube aperture combining with the atleast one cross aperture in order to permit adjustability for the firstpickup ramp and the second pickup ramp.
 14. The snowmobile dolly ofclaim 13 further comprising: (a) the adjustable frame assembly beingreleasably secured to base member in order to provide an adjustmentfactor in order to render the snowmobile dolly with at least one modelof the snowmobile; (b) the adjustable frame assembly being formed fromL-shaped members; (c) the adjustable frame assembly having a trapezoidalshape; (d) the adjustable frame assembly having a base bar and a top barwith the base bar being longer than the top bar; (e) a first isoscelesbar and a second isosceles bar joining the base bar and the top bar inorder to complete an isosceles trapezoid; (f) the adjustable frameassembly having a first intermediate base adjacent and parallel to thetop bar and a second intermediate base adjacent and parallel to the basebar; (g) a first support bar and a second support bar being secured tothe top bar and the base bar perpendicularly thereto; and (h) the firstsupport bar and the second support bar having a space therebetween ofsufficient width to support the base member.
 15. A method for loading asnowmobile onto a snowmobile dolly adapted to support comprising: (a)providing a T-shaped frame with a first ski ramp, a second ski ramp anda driving belt ramp adapted to support the snowmobile; (b) adjusting thefirst ski ramp and the second ski ramp to receive a first ski and asecond ski of the snowmobile respectively; (c) adjusting the drivingbelt ramp adapted to receive the driving belt of the snowmobile; (d)providing at least two lockable casters on the snowmobile dolly; (e)locking the at least two lockable casters in order to minimize movementof the snowmobile dolly as the snowmobile is being driven thereon; and(f) driving the snowmobile thereon.
 16. The method of claim 17 furthercomprising: (a) providing at least two cleats on the driving belt rampin order to provide a gripping mechanism for the driving belt in orderand assist the snowmobile being driven onto the snowmobile dolly; (b)providing an adjustable frame to be secured below the track support; and(c) providing a first ski caster as at least a first caster of the atleast one lockable caster mounted adjacent to the first ski rampassembly; and (d) providing a second ski caster as at least a secondcaster of the at least one lockable caster mounted adjacent to thesecond ski ramp assembly.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising:(a) providing at the adjustable frame with at least one frame casterassembly selected from the group consisting of at least one lockableframe caster and at least one frame wheel; (b) locking the at least onelockable caster for loading and unloading the snowmobile.
 18. Asnowmobile dolly adapted to support a snowmobile comprising: (a) aT-shaped frame having a cross member and a base member adapted tosupport the snowmobile; (b) the T-shaped frame having at least onelockable caster in order to assist driving the snowmobile onto or off ofthe snowmobile dolly; (c) the cross member supporting a ski assembly ofthe snowmobile; and (d) the base member being an elongated flat memberadapted to support a belt assembly of the snowmobile.
 19. The snowmobiledolly of claim 18 further comprising: (a) the T-shaped frame including aT-shaped structure formed from the cross member and the base member; (b)the cross member of the T-shaped structure having a first ski rampassembly and a second ski ramp assembly adapted to support a first skiand a second ski of the ski assembly; (c) the base member of theT-shaped structure being adapted to support a driving belt of the beltassembly for the snowmobile; and (d) the base member and the crossmember cooperating in order to support the snowmobile.
 20. Thesnowmobile dolly of claim 19 further comprising: (a) the cross memberhaving a first ski pickup in the first ski ramp assembly and a secondski pickup in the second ski ramp assembly secured thereto; (b) thefirst ski pickup being mounted on a first end of the cross member; (c)the second ski pickup being mounted on a second end of the cross member;(d) the first end of the cross member being oppositely disposed from thesecond end of the cross member; (e) the cross member having the basemember secured thereto between the first ski pickup and the second skipickup; (f) the track support being an elongated member with at leasttwo cleats thereon spaced at intervals to provide a gripping mechanismfor the driving belt in order to assist the snowmobile being driven ontothe snowmobile dolly; (g) the base including the track support and anadjustable frame secured below the track support; (h) the adjustableframe being repositionable along the track support; (i) the frame havinga generally trapezoidal shape; and (j) the generally trapezoidal shapehaving a base closer to the cross member when mounted on the tracksupport.